Career in Aeronautical Engineering

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Career in Aeronautical Engineering

Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering is one of the most challenging fields of engineering with a wide scope for growth. This field deals with the development of new technology in the field of aviation, space exploration and defence systems. It specialises in the designing, construction, development, testing, operation and maintenance of both commercial and military aircraft, spacecrafts and their components as well as satellites and missiles.

As Aerospace engineering involves design and manufacture of very high technology systems, the job requires manual, technical as well as mechanical aptitude. Aeronautical engineer’s usually work in teams under the supervision of senior engineers, bringing together their skills and technical expertise. Though highly paid, the work is very demanding. An aeronautical engineer needs to be physically fit and fully dedicated to his work. One needs to be alert, have an eye for detail and should have a high level of mathematical precision to be successful.

Aeronautical Engineering Eligibility

To be an aeronautical engineer one should have a graduate degree ( B.E / B.Tech. ) or at least a diploma in Aeronautics. The degree and postgraduate degree courses are offered by the engineering colleges and Institutes of Technology ( IITs ), and the diploma courses are available at polytechnics.

The basic eligibility criteria for a BE / B.Tech is 10+2 or equivalent examination, with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and must have a fairly high percentage of marks in the aggregate. One must also pass the qualifying exam JEE ( Joint Entrance Exam ) conducted by the IIT’s.

Aeronautical Engineering Selection Procedure

Selection to the graduate courses ( BE / B.Tech ) is based on merit i.e the marks secured in the final exams of 10+2 and through entrance exams. Entrance to the IIT’s is through ‘JEE’ ( Joint Entrance Exam ) and for other institutions through their own separate entrance exams and other state level and national level exams. Most of the institutes conducting engineering courses in Aeronautics consider JEE score as the qualifying grade.

Aeronautical Engineering Course Duration

The duration is four years, ending with a degree recognised by the ministry of education, government of India. The diploma courses are of 2 – 3 years duration.

Job Opportunities of Aeronautical Engineering

Job opportunities for an Aeronautical Engineer in India, lies with various airlines like Air India, Indian Airlines, Helicopter Corporation of India and flying clubs, private airlines and government owned air service and aircraft manufacturers like the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. ( HAL ) with its factories at Bangalore, Nashik, Koraput, Kanpur etc.

Defense Research and Development Laboratories, National Aeronautical Lab ( NAL ), Aeronautical Development Establishment, Civil Aviation Department etc. The Defence services and Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ) also happen to be two major employers.

Initially, candidates begin work as graduate engineer trainees or junior Engineers. Keeping in view their performance, academic background and aptitude, they are placed for training in the aircraft maintenance / overhaul or support section. On completion of training they are placed as assistant aircraft engineers or assistant technical officers.

They have to clear departmental examinations for further promotions. They may advance to administrative or executive positions or become consultants. Aeronautical engineers are assisted by aircraft mechanics in maintenance of aircraft frame, engine, electrical system and other ancillary fittings.

Aeronautical Engineering Career Salary

Engineers in government organisations, are paid official scales while those in the private sector are paid according to the scales decided by the management of the company.

The approximate starting salaries in the government / public sectors such as HAL, NAL are 8,000 to 10,000 ( excluding other allowances ). In the private sector, the scales are decided by the management of the company and are approximately 8,000 to 15,000 per month plus perks. Engineering graduates with management degrees get a starting salary of 10,000 to 40,000 per month plus perks. Entrepreneurs can earn above 20,000/- per month. Airline professionals get fringe benefits of free travel for self and family also, apart from numerous other perks.

Institutes offering Aeronautical Engineering Courses

Aeronautical Engineering is offered by the Indian Institute of Technology in Chennai, Mumbai, Kanpur and Kharagpur and also by the Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh. The Madras Institute of Technology offers a three year Graduate Programme in Aeronautical Engineering for B Sc students, subject to their having passed Maths and Physics at the graduation stage. The Indian Institute of Science ( IIS ), Bangalore has M Tech and Ph D programmes in Aeronautics.

List of colleges offering aeronautical engineering courses can be had from the following link.

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6 Responses to “Career in Aeronautical Engineering”

I want to open an aero.eng. branch/study centre and its related courses.please help me

By Mudasir amin sheikh from Srinagar(bandipora)/ jammu and kashmir on December 28, 2012 at 9:32 am

Good Afternoon Sir, I am Abhinav Bajaj I am Passed In Diploma With 65% Marks In E.C.E Trade From National College Of Polytechnic Ambala Road Jagadhri. My Dream Is My Job In Indian Air Force.
Thank you, ABHINAV BAJAJ.
Phone NO. 9315532735

By ABHINAV BAJAJ from Jagadhri, Distt.Yamunanagar,State. Haryana on September 3, 2012 at 3:11 pm